Cats will rub up against your legs and try to get a lick of whatever you are eating if they can smell any animal proteins. They can smell a lot of them. Many parents want to know what foods they can and cannot give their cats. Some cats will go crazy for crab, but that’s not for everyone. It’s natural not to want to feed your cat something that will make them sick.
It is perfectly okay for your cat to eat some crab in moderation, but only when adequately prepared. Here’s the down-low on feeding crab to your cat as an occasional treat. But you should talk to your vet before giving your cat any new food, especially if they are on a special diet or long-term medication.
Cats have to eat carnivores, which are sometimes called “hypercarnivores” because they eat a lot of animal proteins. Animals that eat meat are called obligatate carnivores, and their appendix, colon, and rectum have the highest microbial density. On the other hand, ruminants, which eat plants, are foregut fermenters, and their rumen (one of their stomachs) is where most of their fermentation and digestion happen, thanks to the diverse bacterial population there. 1.
Carnivores don’t have the same bacteria in their guts as herbivores, and their bodies can’t naturally break down plant matter. So, they don’t get the complete nutrients from plant and vegetation matter. At the same time, most vegetation is not necessarily toxic to them. They only don’t derive the whole nutrients from the things they eat unless it’s animal matter.
Because of this dietary need, cats have an innate sense of smell tuned to animal protein.
Cats need a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet with moderate amounts of fat to thrive. Animal proteins are important to their health, so they need to eat a lot of them. Carbohydrates will make them eat less protein because they are full.
As cat owners, we want to pamper our feline friends by sharing tasty human foods with them. Seafood like crab can seem appealing, but is it safe for cats? Crab meat contains beneficial nutrients, but the shells pose a choking hazard. As with any human food, moderation is key when feeding crab to cats.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of serving crab to cats. We’ll also provide tips on preparation and portion size to make crab a rare but safe snack. Read on to learn all about mixing cats and crab!
An Overview of Crab for Cats
Crab is an ingredient found in many human foods like sushi chowders and crab cakes. The most commonly eaten crab varieties include Dungeness, blue, and king crab.
Crab meat is high in protein, minerals, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It offers more nutritional value than carbohydrate-heavy foods. So at first glance, crab appears perfectly suited for obligate carnivores like cats.
However, raw crab also poses some health risks. Bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria may be present. And parasitic roundworms can infect cats who eat raw crab.
For these reasons, cats should only consume cooked crab meat. The shell, legs, and other non-meat parts must be removed as well. They are choking hazards and offer no nutritional benefits.
Overall, crab meat makes an occasional cat treat in moderation. But it should never become a regular part of your cat’s diet. Consult your veterinarian before feeding any new foods.
The Benefits of Crab for Cats
Now let’s explore why crab meat, when prepared properly, can make a healthy snack for cats Here are some of the main benefits
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High-quality protein. Crab is loaded with protein—around 16-20 grams per 3 ounce serving. Cats need a protein-rich diet, so crab can help supplement their required protein intake.
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Omega-3 fatty acids. Crab contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s like EPA and DHA. These can benefit skin, heart, brain, and joint health. Always cook crab first to maintain these heat-sensitive nutrients.
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Vitamins and minerals. Crab offers vitamins like B12, A, and C, along with minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium. These support immunity, metabolism, and antioxidant status.
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Moisture content. Crab meat contains about 80% water. This extra hydration can be beneficial for cats, especially those prone to urinary tract problems.
So in small amounts, crab can provide cats with vital protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and water. Next we’ll look at preparation tips for safely serving crab.
Preparing Crab for Cats
When preparing crab for cats, follow these guidelines to reduce the risks:
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Always cook crab thoroughly first. This eliminates bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other pathogens. Never feed raw crab to cats under any circumstances.
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Remove all shell pieces, legs, and non-meat parts. These are choking hazards and provide no nutrients. Only feed the cooked crab meat.
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Don’t season the crab or use any oil, butter, or other additives. Spices, herbs, garlic, and onion are toxic for cats and can cause upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Only feed crab occasionally or as a treat. About 1-2 tablespoons makes a good portion size for most cats. Too much can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
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Introduce new foods slowly. Start with tiny portions like 1/4 teaspoon and monitor your cat for any allergic reactions before giving more.
Following these tips will allow you to share a few bites of your own crab feast with cats while avoiding potential health hazards!
The Risks of Feeding Crab to Cats
Now that we’ve covered the benefits and preparation of crab for cats, let’s discuss some of the potential downsides and risks. Here are a few concerns to keep in mind:
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Choking on shell pieces or legs. Cats attempting to nibble leftover shell can easily choke, so never leave crab remnants within reach.
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Parasites from raw meat. Roundworms and other parasites in raw crab can infect cats. Cooking destroys these.
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Allergies or intolerance. As with any new food, some cats may be allergic or intolerant to crab meat. Go slowly when first introducing it.
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Nutritional deficiencies. Too much crab could lead to deficiencies in nutrients like arginine, taurine, and vitamin E. It’s not a complete diet.
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High mercury levels. Larger saltwater fish and shellfish tend to accumulate more mercury. This can damage cats’ neurological development.
While the occasional crab treat seems harmless, any human food can carry some degree of risk. Knowing what potential hazards to look out for will allow you to safely indulge your cat’s cravings for crab.
Answering Common Questions on Cats and Crab
Here are some quick answers to frequent questions about mixing cats and crab:
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Can cats eat imitation crab? No, imitation crab contains additives like sugar, soy, and flavors that may upset cats’ stomachs. Only feed real crab meat.
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Can cats eat crab legs or shells? No, legs and shells pose a choking risk and provide no nutrients. Remove all non-meat parts before feeding crab to cats.
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Can cats eat raw crab? Absolutely not. Raw crab may contain parasites, viruses, or bacteria that can make cats sick. Crab must be thoroughly cooked.
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Can kittens eat crab? Kittens under 12 weeks shouldn’t have any crab since their digestive systems are more sensitive. They may struggle to digest the high protein content.
The Takeaway: A Rare Treat in Moderation
While cats go crazy for the tantalizing taste of fresh crab, it should only be an occasional snack. The high protein content makes it suitable for carnivorous cats. However, preparation is crucial since raw crab can harbor parasites and bacteria.
By only choosing cooked meat and removing shells and legs, crab can be a safe treat. But frequent feeding may lead to nutritional deficiencies or mercury exposure. Limit crab to once a week or less for your cat.
The bottom line? Yes, cats can eat crab, but only in strict moderation. Follow preparation guidelines closely, and your kitty will get to enjoy this flavorful seafood snack as well!
Can Cats Eat Crab Sticks?
There may be a lot of sodium in crab sticks or fake crab, which helps them taste like salty crab. It’s usually made of surimi, a paste made of ground seafood from different kinds of fish. It’s like a seafood hotdog.
Surimi, and thus imitation crab, is generally non-toxic for cats, but it’s also low in nutrients because of the amount of processing the surimi goes through from start to finish. It also contains various preservatives and colorings that may be harmful in large amounts, while the high carbohydrate content is not suitable for cats.
If cats only eat a few crab sticks every once in a while as a treat, they won’t get any health benefits from them. The biggest worries with crab sticks are the high sodium intake, phosphorus, carb content, additives, and flavorings. A small piece of a crab stick once in a while probably won’t make your cat sick, but they shouldn’t eat it all the time because it can make them fat and cause digestive problems.
People eat junk food like crab sticks, so it’s best not to give them to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Crab Shell?
No, crab shells are too hard and splinter when bitten. Consuming crab shells could lead to mouth and teeth damage, choking, indigestion, or gastrointestinal blockages. If the shell gets stuck in the back of their throat or in their esophagus, it could make them cough, retch, and vomit, which is serious enough that they need to see a vet right away.
